Which would you choose? Lower grade FT or higher grade PT?

[TerrificEchidnaSpikes]

Just that, really.

I'm interviewing for two jobs shortly. One is the same grade as I am now, but 50% FTE and fixed term with end date in a couple of years. The other is one grade below, but full time and open-ended (permanent role). So Job 1 is more £ per hour, but Job 2 is more £ in total.

Job 1 being higher grade comes with more responsibility compared to Job 2. I am comfortable with the level of responsibility as it is same level as my current role. OTOH I have a lot going on in my personal life for the foreseeable future, so stepping down slightly in a work context is tempting, as is knowing that it's open-ended meaning I won't have to be job-hunting after this. Other aspects of both jobs are broadly similar e.g. location, employer type, environment - so I think it really does boil down to £ per hour vs £ total.

Obviously, I may not get offers for one or both after interview. But it's just something I want to ruminate on over the weekend.

Current job is fixed term and coming to an end, so I can't stay in it.

Overall I’d say job 1 makes more sense IF financially you can afford it. It will give you more time and head space to deal with the other stuff you have going on. Therefore you’re less likely to end up stressed. And a 2 year contract is a decent length of time. Perhaps think what will have the biggest positive impact on your life : more money or more time? Even though job 2 is a step down would the full time aspect mean it’s more stressful ? Also career-wise i think a higher grade PT is better as it is giving you more experience at a higher level. Hope you get offers for both !

Thank you @Nicflowers82! You have perfectly articulated so many of my thoughts! We can cope with less money (Job 1) but obviously would be preferable to have more. Then there is the time vs money thing. I feel so undecided!

DH says I shouldn't worry about it until after the interview when I can see which team/office chimes more with me. But it's in my nature to overthink...

If you have a lot going on personally, then I would say going for the part time role makes a lot of sense. Sure it will be demanding when you are working but you will get a lot of time outside of work.
However I would see what the interview is like, there might be an expectation for lots of unpaid overtime and it’s always a bit harder to push back when you’re not full time.

You're right @rookiemere, in theory extra spare time would be great. As you say though, I have to be wary, in my field there's often an unspoken expectation of putting in extra effort.

I have previously worked PT and people still contacted me constantly outside my contracted hours when they wanted stuff done urgently - at the time I didn't mind as it suited me - my line manager basically accepted a fully flexible quid pro quo whereby I worked to suit those other people's deadlines and in return he just let me have TOIL whenever I wanted, no questions asked. Was perfect for attending DC school plays or going to dentist appointments or even trivial stuff like getting my hair done on a weekday. Wish I could have that line manager again!